Everyone has different ideas about knowing a foreign language. For example, for someone, knowledge of English is enough for regular and unimpeded travel in Europe and someone wants more,than just read Byron in the original and watch TV series Without translation... Subjectively, each person determines for himself at what level he knows English, but when he needs to master it for living, working or studying abroad, you need to test your knowledge on the unified pan-European scale CEFR.

This grading is based not on knowledge of certain sets of words or language constructions, but on the capabilities that a person learning English may have. That is why the table of levels of the English language of the common European competence is applicable to any language.

Levels of knowledge of a foreign language

Why do you need to know your level of knowledge of the language?

• The levels of the English language allow you to correctly and accurately formulate future goals and objectives. Only in this way can you evaluate your own capabilities and plan further training.
• English proficiency levels determined by testing must be specified in resume or application form when applying for a job in transnational corporations. To have a good, high-paying position in such companies, your knowledge of English must be at a high level.
• It is also necessary to know the levels of English when applying to study at one of the prestigious European educational institutions. However, in order to confirm, in this case, the admissions committee may request a language certificate.

Can't figure out how well you speak the language? Go through

If you are faced with the need to pass an international test that will determine your level of English, then you are planning to move abroad in the near future in order to continue your studies or employment. Prestigious universities and employing companies put forward rather high requirements for candidates, among which there are also minimum scores, received for a particular language test.

In addition, if you just want to move to live in another country, you will also need to pass one of the international exams that will determine your level of English. It is impossible to fail some tests, in any case you will get at least some point, some have the mark “Fail” in the exam grading system - not passed.

Of course, it is better to get the maximum number of points. But you need to remember that your result will depend not only on the level of English, but also on the preparation for the exam format. Each of the language tests has its own characteristics, in addition, a certain amount of time is allocated for the task, which may not be enough for you if you do not calculate in advance how many minutes you will allocate to which task.

English proficiency tests - great amount... You just need to choose the one that is right for you.

Types of international examinations in English

All tests for determining the level of English are designed for those who are studying the language as a foreign language and are not native speakers. Typically, the choice of test will depend on the choice of the country in which you want to study or work.

The most popular international exams are:, and Cambridge tests.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

An exam to determine your level of proficiency in Business English. The TOEIC certificate is valid for two years, therefore it is better to take the test on the eve of your official employment or admission to a foreign university.

TOEFL or IELTS: which one to choose?

We have already talked about the exam and about its American colleague. We just want to draw your attention to the fact that the choice of exam will depend on the country: in the USA and Canada the TOEFL results are recognized, in the UK and Australia they prefer IELTS or Cambridge exams.

The IELTS certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for 2 years from the date of the test results. This is where the University of Cambridge exams differ from IELTS and TOEFL, as they do not have a limited duration.

Without deliberate preparation, it will be difficult to pass the exams. We have compiled a list of schools in Moscow that will help you prepare for and.
Looking for courses in another city? The service will help you choose training courses in your city for free.

Cambridge language tests

More than 2 million people take the Cambridge language exams every year.

There are also special Cambridge exams for children and adolescents: Cambridge Young Learners Exams. They are designed for of different ages and language levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The main purpose of these tests is to prepare young candidates for the future Cambridge adult exams.

Each exam has its own characteristics, and yet there are some things in common among all English tests:

• Firstly, all of these exams are designed for learners of English as a foreign language
• Secondly, test results are recognized by educational institutions in English-speaking countries and employing companies
• Thirdly by passing the test, you will receive an international certificate
• Quarters x, you can pass each of these exams only on the basis of an official test center for admission international tests
• Fifth The exams test all your language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening

Which exam should you choose?

There is also a classification that helps to simplify the process of choosing the type of international exam. A number of tests check general English, some tests measure your level of academic English, and there are exams to test your level of proficiency in business English only.

General English Exams

We include and among exams that test proficiency in general English. The Key English Test tests the development of basic language skills. The exam is graded based on the percentage earned. If you get less than 65% - you will get the mark "Fail" - not passed.

Preliminary English Test is a preparatory exam that is usually taken by those who want to participate in the Work and Travel or Work and Study programs. The test is scored in the same way as KET. Only if you get 65-69% - you get a certificate "passed to level A2".

Professional and Academic English Exams

Business English Exams

We wish you success in preparing and passing your international language exams!

What is the level of proficiency in English? Who needs it and why?

What does language proficiency say at one of these levels and who invented them? Where to go to study?

How to link language proficiency levels with the international certification system?

What are language certificates and where can I get them?

This year, my colleague decided to go to graduate school in finance. Like all perfectionists, he made life as difficult for himself as possible: a serious university and a course that is taught in English were chosen for admission.

The problem was that the university's website clearly indicated “TOEFL and Professional Interview”, and my colleague spoke English at the level of “Landon of the Capital City of Great Britain”, according to my estimates.

To find out the level, a teacher from a well-promoted language school was invited, which, after two hours of testing and interviews, passed the verdict “confident Intermediate”. At this point, I was very surprised and once again plunged into reflections on how deeply foreign languages ​​penetrate into our lives, and not only now, and not only English. And how important it is to own at least them ... At what level do they need to own? What are these levels and what does the language proficiency mean at each of them? And how to link language proficiency levels with the international certification system?

IN WHAT WILL WE MEASURE?

We measure the immeasurable. How can you assess the degree of language proficiency? By the number of words? Of course, this is an important criterion. But Lev Shcherba and his "gloka kuzdra" almost a century ago proved to the whole world that the main thing in a language is grammar. This is the spine and the backbone of the basics. But to have a conversation, read a book, and watch a movie, the basics are not enough. If you do not know the vocabulary, the meaning of what is happening will still elude you. That is, the vocabulary again?

In fact, both are important, as well as knowledge of the history, culture and modern realities of the country whose language you are studying - this is what your competencies are based on.

Each of us has heard something about the levels of language proficiency. For example, in English one of the initial levels is Elementary, in Hebrew the levels of study are named after the letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph, Bet, Gimel, etc.), and in Polish they correspond to the common European classification (from A0 to C2).

In addition to the system of division into levels for each a separate language, there is also a common European classification. It describes not the amount of grammatical knowledge, but what knowledge and skills a person possesses, how well he reads, perceives speech by ear and expresses himself. It is impossible to formulate assessment criteria common to all languages ​​like “knows this from grammar, but knows how to handle vocabulary like this”. Although European languages ​​are close to each other, they have their own characteristics: the presence / absence of genders, cases and articles, the number of times, etc. On the other hand, the existing similarities are enough to nevertheless create a common assessment system for the whole of Europe.

EUROPEAN LANGUAGES: LEVELS OF LEARNING AND SPEAKING

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment(Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) is a system of levels of foreign language proficiency used in the European Union. The relevant directive was developed by the Council of Europe as the main part of the Language Learning for European Citizenship project between 1989 and 1996. The main purpose of the CEFR system is to provide an assessment and teaching method applicable to all European languages. In November 2001, a resolution of the Council of the European Union recommended the use of CEFR to establish national systems for assessing language competence.

Today, this classification offers us three levels, each of which has two sublevels:

■ Beginner (A1)

In the classroom. The student understands and uses phrases and expressions necessary to accomplish specific tasks. (Remember, in foreign lessons: “Sit down, open the textbooks?” This is it.) He can introduce himself and introduce another person, tell and answer simple questions about his family, home. Can maintain a simple dialogue - provided that the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly and repeats three times.

In life. Yes, this is the Where are you from level and London is the capital city of Great Britain. If in a foreign country you can call yourself by name, inform in a cafe that you want tea, poke your finger on the menu, ordering "this", and ask a passer-by where the Tower is - this is the level of survival. "Tu tickets tu Dublin," so to speak.

■ Below average (A2)

In the classroom. The student understands individual sentences and frequent expressions related to the main areas of life (information about himself and family members, shopping in a store, general information about work), and can also talk about it and support a conversation on everyday topics.

In life. At this level, you can already answer the standard question of the seller in the store (Do you need a package?), Withdraw money from an ATM, if there is no menu on your native language, clearly tell the seller in the market how many kilograms of peaches you need, instead of using expressive gestures, you can navigate the city, rent a bike and much more.

There is still a long way to free dialogue about Nietzsche, but, as you noticed, the key word in defining this level is basic. From now on, your knowledge will be enough to survive in a foreign city.

■ Medium (B1)

In the classroom. The student understands the essence of the messages clearly articulated in literary language... Subjects of messages: everything that surrounds a person during work, study, rest, etc. Being in the country of the target language, he is able to communicate in most standard life situations. He can compose a simple message on an unfamiliar topic, describe his impressions, tell about some events and plans for the future, substantiate his opinion on any issue.

In life. The name of this level - self-sufficient ownership - suggests that you can be in a foreign country and act independently in most situations. Here we mean not only and not so much shops (this is the previous level), but also going to the bank, to the post office, going to the hospital, communicating with colleagues at work, teachers at school, if your child is studying there. Having visited the play in a foreign language, you will hardly be able to fully appreciate the acting skills and talent of the director, but you will already be able to tell your colleagues exactly where you went, what the play was about and whether you liked it.

■ Above average (B2)

In the classroom. The student understands the general content of complex texts on abstract and concrete topics, including highly specialized texts. He speaks quickly and spontaneously enough to communicate with native speakers effortlessly.

In life. In fact, this is already the level of the language that most people use in Everyday life... We don’t discuss string theory or the architecture of Versailles with our colleagues at lunch. But we often discuss new films or popular books. And the most wonderful thing is that now they will become available to you: you do not need to look for films and publications adapted to your level - with many works, and not only modern ones, you will do a great job yourself. But before reading special literature or a complete understanding of the terminology of the TV series "House" is, of course, still far away.

■ Advanced (C1)

In the classroom. The student understands voluminous complex texts on various topics, recognizes metaphors, hidden meanings. Can speak spontaneously, at a fast pace, without choosing words. Uses language effectively to communicate in professional activity... Owns all methods of creating texts on complex topics(detailed descriptions, complex grammatical structures, special vocabulary, etc.).

In life. At this level, you can participate in seminars, watch films and read books without restrictions, communicate with native speakers as freely as with your compatriots.

■ Professional (C2)

In the classroom. The student understands and can compose almost any written or oral communication.

In life. You can write a thesis, give a lecture and participate on an equal basis with native speakers in a discussion on any general or professional topic.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVELS OF LEARNING AND SKILLS

The classification of levels of English proficiency is somewhat different. It is not always clear what the teachers of English courses mean when they promise you to achieve the Advanced level from scratch in a year, and what the employer wants if they indicate the Upper-Intermediate level in the vacancy announcement. To be clear, let's compare the levels of proficiency in European languages ​​and English (see table).

Beginner

Yes, this level is not indicated in our table. This is the beginning of beginnings. There is no question of any language proficiency at this stage, but this is the foundation on which the house will be built - your language proficiency. And how strong this foundation will be depends on how beautiful, large and reliable this house will be.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Beginner level. At this level, you will start by learning the alphabet, English phonetics, numbers and basic

features of grammar: three simple tenses, direct word order in sentences, absence of cases and genders.

Pay special attention to phonetics, try to understand the difference between intonation in interrogative and declarative sentences.

Practice your pronunciation. When you’ve learned the language well, a terrible accent will not only ruin the experience, but also make communication difficult. Then it will be much more difficult to fix it.

■ Training period. Usually, to acquire such a store of knowledge, it takes about four months of group lessons. Studying with a tutor, this result can be achieved much faster.

■ What is the result. If an Englishman turns to you on the street with a request to help him find the embassy, ​​you will be upset, because you can still figure out the word "embassy", and he will pronounce everything else in such a way that you hardly ever recognize him as an Englishman.

Elementary

This level corresponds to the A1 level in the European classification and is called the survival level. This means that if you get lost in a foreign country, you can ask and then, according to the instructions, find your way (suddenly the phone with the navigator is discharged), you will be able to check into a hotel, buy food not only in the supermarket, but also in the market, where you will have to enter with the seller albeit in a short, but rather lively dialogue. In general, from this moment you will not be lost.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Elementary level. If you have reached this level, you already know much more.

■ Our recommendations. Do not try to jump over grammar in pursuit of vocabulary - it only seems simple at first, in fact, with an increase in the level of complexity, many nuances appear. If you do not pay attention to them, it will be difficult later to eradicate mistakes in speech.

Learn the numbers and methods of their formation to complete automaticity.

Write down the names of those objects that surround you in the dictionary and memorize them. So you can ask the hotel for a pen or a needle and thread, offer a guest a glass of water, buy on the market not "this here", but an avocado.

Training period: 6-9 months depending on the intensity of the activity and your abilities.

What is the result. Now our Englishman has a real chance to get to the embassy.

Pre-Intermediate

This is the “pre-threshold level”. That is, at the very least, you climbed onto the porch. Now you stand in front of the threshold, and your main task is to step over it. This is so in any language, not only in English. At this level, it suddenly becomes really difficult. A lot of new vocabulary appears, and the amount of grammar knowledge that the teacher diligently puts into your head increases dramatically. New information covers you like a wave. But if you emerge now, you are almost guaranteed to learn this language.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Pre-Intermediate level. At this level, the list of your knowledge and skills is significantly expanded.

In fact, we can say that language proficiency begins from this level. You will not only survive in an unfamiliar city and be able to make acquaintances, but you will also begin to independently improve your level of knowledge of the language. An understanding of what vocabulary is missing in the first place will begin to come to you, you will clearly see your weak points and you will already know what needs to be done to improve them.

In addition, here we can already talk about the use of language in work. The secretary, who speaks English at the Pre-Intermediate level, may not be able to call the hotel and clarify the details of the reservation, but he will certainly be able to write a letter there. He will also be able to compose a message about a meeting, receive guests and have a small talk with them so popular in the English environment.

■ Our recommendations. Never give up! You can handle it. If you understand that some topic is not given to you, do not be lazy to deal with it - by contacting the teacher, either on your own, or with the help of numerous Internet resources. Without any tests, you suddenly discover how much you already know and how much is already obtained. At this moment, you can safely walk through the threshold - go to the next level.

■ Training period: six to nine months. And here it is better not to rush.

■ What is the result. Our Englishman is guaranteed to get to the embassy thanks to your recommendations. You, too, will be extremely pleased with yourself.

Intermediate

This is the first self-sufficient level. Congratulations if you speak the language at that level. This means that you are logged into new world where many amazing discoveries await you. Now borders are convention for you. You can make acquaintances all over the world, read news on the Internet, understand jokes in English, comment on photos of your friends from the United States on Facebook, chat with friends from China and Peru while watching the World Cup. You have found a voice.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Intermediate level. In addition to what was listed at the previous levels, you know and are able to:

The Intermediate level is not in vain that many employers demand. In fact, this is the level of free communication in the office (unless, of course, you are in the habit of discussing the principle of operation of the power steering over coffee). This is the level of working with documents and maintaining a free conversation on general and general professional topics.

Yes, as long as it's not free ownership. You are still choosing words in your mind, using a dictionary when reading books - in a word, until you can "think in language." And no, it won't get any easier for you. But you will get really interested. You cannot stop anymore.

■ Our recommendations. At this level, you can increase the stock of professional vocabulary. A solid vocabulary on the topic of discussion automatically and very noticeably increases your level of language proficiency in the eyes of the interlocutor. If you have where to apply knowledge (work, study, hobby), do not neglect this opportunity. Remember also that language is alive, it is constantly evolving.

Read not only adapted classics, but also books by modern authors in English, watch videos on topics of interest to you, listen to songs.

■ Training period: 6-9 months.

■ What is the result. Perhaps you have half an hour - why not accompany this sweet English gentleman to the embassy.

Upper-Intermediate

This is the first level of language proficiency, sufficient for trouble-free living in another country. You can chat with your neighbors, go to a party, and even go to the theater. Not to mention work. Most specialists who receive job offers in another country speak the language at least at this level.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Upper-Intermediate level. So, what new do you know and can do:

In fact, B2 is already free ownership. No, of course, there are still restrictions. It is unlikely that you will be able to cope with "Doctor House" or "The Big Bang Theory" - they have a lot of special vocabulary, and even play on words. But after watching a classic performance, you will not only understand what it is about, but you will also be able to enjoy the acting.

You will stop listening to half of your favorite songs because you realize what nonsense there is in the lyrics. Your world will become much larger, not to mention the fact that with such a level there is a chance to go to work abroad and enter a foreign university.

Read as much as possible literary texts to make your speech rich and imaginative. It will also help you to make fewer mistakes in writing - constantly meeting a word in the text, we remember how it is spelled.

Take a vacation in the country of the target language and speak as much as possible there. It is best to take an intensive language course, for example in Malta. But this is a very costly event. On the other hand, it is in such places that you can make useful business contacts. So consider spending on such a trip as an investment in a happy future.

■ Training period depends on so many factors: your efforts and abilities, as well as how intensively you study and how good your teacher is. You can do it in a year.

■ What is the result. While walking with the Englishman to the embassy, ​​they chatted at ease and even giggled a couple of times.

Advanced

This is the level of fluency in English. Above it is only the level of the carrier. That is, around you, when you master the language at this level, there will be almost no one who knows the language better. Indeed, it is true that 80% of your communication in English falls on communication not with native speakers, but with those who, like you, have learned it. As a rule, graduates of the philological faculty in the specialty "English" speak the language at this level. What does free ownership mean? The fact that you can talk on any topic, even if you hardly understand the subject. Yes, like in Russian. Having reached this level, you can get one of the certificates: CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), IELTS - for 7-7.5 points, TOEFL - for 96-109 points.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Advanced level

Congratulations on your freedom! This level is quite enough for everyday life and office work. You will clearly explain to your boss why you need a salary increase, and to your English husband why it seems to you that he does not love you.

■ Our recommendations. Having reached this level, you not only speak the language, you know how to think in it. Even if for some reason you will not use it for a long time, then in a short time you will completely restore all knowledge on your own.

■ What is the result. You had a pleasant time walking the Englishman to the embassy and chatting with him on the way. And they didn't even notice that he was lisping.

Proficiency

This is the level of an educated native speaker. Educated is the key word. That is, this is a person who graduated from the university and has a bachelor's degree. The Proficiency level is close to the native speaker's level of proficiency. As a rule, only people who graduated from the university in the country of the target language know him this way (and even then not always).

■ Knowledge and skills at the Proficiency level. If you know the language so well, it means that you can take part in scientific conferences, write scientific work, you can get a degree in the country of the target language.

Yes, that is exactly the level of "House Doctor" and "The Big Bang Theory". This is the level at which you will not have any difficulties in communication: you will equally well understand a grandmother from Brooklyn, a professor from the University of Massachusetts, and an Englishman who, on the way to the embassy, ​​will tell you why he considers untenable

the big bang theory. Having a command of the language at this level, you can get a CPE certificate, IELTS (8-9 points), TOEFL (110-120 points).

■ Work prospects. As you can see, if you write "fluency" on your resume, the employer will decide that you have at least an Upper-Intermediate level. The funny thing is that your level may be lower, but he will not notice it, because most often the employer needs an employee with English at the level “Good afternoon. Do you want tea or coffee? ", But at the same time, he writes" fluency "in the requirements for the applicant.

Fluency in the language is required when working as an expat or in a foreign company. Or if you are entrusted with the duties of not only a personal assistant, but also an interpreter. In all other cases

for the high-quality performance of their duties and a comfortable stay in the office, the Intermediate level is quite enough.

It is also very important to remember that even if you know English at the Upper-Intermediate (B2) level and higher, then in preparation for negotiations, a speech, a conversation on a specialized topic, it is necessary to compile a glossary.

Maybe you have ever noticed that some translators during negotiations do not translate some of the phrases. Most often these are irresponsible translators who were too lazy to prepare and learn new vocabulary. They just don't understand what this is about.

But some mining engineer in the same negotiations, who is familiar only with Present Simple, may be much more useful professional translator... Because he works with technology, knows all the words, draws a diagram on a piece of paper with a pencil - and now everyone has already understood each other. And if they have AutoCAD, they don't need a translator, or even Present Simple: they will understand each other perfectly.

LANGUAGE CERTIFICATES

What certificates are we talking about here all the time? This refers to official documents confirming your knowledge of the English language.

■ CAE(Certificate in advanced English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) division of the University of Cambridge.

Designed and first introduced in 1991. The certificate corresponds to level C1 of the common European language classification. The validity period of the certificate is not limited. It is necessary for admission to universities where education is in English, and for getting a job.

Where to get a certificate: in Moscow, the CAE exam is accepted by Education First Moscow, Language Link, BKC-IH, Center for Language Studies. Accepted by others educational organizations but they only work with their own students. A complete list of centers where you can take the exam is available at www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.

■ CPE(Certificate of Proficiency in English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). The certificate corresponds to the C2 level of the common European language classification and confirms highest level proficiency in English. The validity period of the certificate is not limited.

Where to get a certificate: take courses and take an exam is offered by the Moscow Institute of Foreign Languages: www.mosinyaz.com.

Testing and exam preparation centers in other cities of Russia and the world can be found at the link: www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.

■ IELTS(International English Language Testing System) is an international testing system for determining the level of knowledge in the field of English. The system is good in that it tests knowledge in four aspects: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Needed for admission to universities in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland. And also for those who plan to leave for one of these countries for permanent residence.

Where to get certified, see www.ielts.org/book-a-test/find-atest-location.

■ TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language, Test of knowledge of English as a foreign language) is a standardized test of knowledge of English (in its North American version), the passing of which is mandatory for non-English-speaking foreigners when entering universities in the USA and Canada, as well as in Europe and Asia ... The test results are also accepted in a number of other English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries for admission to universities with English as the language of instruction. In addition, the test results can be in demand when recruiting to foreign companies. The test results are stored in the company's database for 2 years, after which they are deleted.

The certificate also assesses language proficiency in four aspects.

Where to get the certificate: www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=TOEFL.

WHERE TO GO TO STUDY?

This is the most important question. Of course, if you graduated from the English department of philology, he is not in front of you. In all other cases, you will have to make this difficult choice.

■ Tutor. Courses or Tutor? I'm for a tutor. Moreover, for classes in a group of two. Three is a lot, but one is expensive and not as effective.

Why one-to-one training? Because in this case, the teacher sees all your strengths and weaknesses, he has no task to bring the course to an "acceptable" level for the exam and forget about the group, he has the task of really teaching you the language, because then thanks to word of mouth he will have more students and, consequently, earnings.

In addition, the specificity of the profession of a tutor is that every minute of his working time is paid. And when a person works in such conditions, he cannot afford to cheat.

Working in pairs is better because it is disciplined. You can cancel the class because of bad weather or a fit of laziness - you pay the tutor where he goes. But conscience will not allow to disrupt the lesson, which is planned for two.

Where to find and how to choose a tutor? First of all, on the recommendation of friends, whose successes inspire you.

If there are no such acquaintances, you need to find courses with a solid educational institution: university, institute, consulate. They try to hire good teachers there - they keep the brand. And teachers go there because they view such courses as a free advertising space for recruiting individual students. You can go there to the level you need, and there you will already agree with the teacher. By the way, now language schools often present teaching staff on their websites, and you can search the Internet for reviews of specialists.

■Language schools. If you decide to take courses at a language school, choose accredited centers where you can take an exam for one of the certificates. As a rule, such schools have a good level of teaching, there are various exchange programs, study abroad, the teachers in them are native speakers.

■ Skype. Another option is to learn English via Skype. Why not?

This can be done both at work, if conditions permit, and at home. From well-established international schools, we advise you to pay attention to Glasha: www.glasha.biz.

■ Study courses abroad.

If you have the opportunity (financial) and knowledge of the language is not lower than the Intermediate level, then you can choose language courses abroad. For example, here: www.staracademy.ru. Yes, there is training in Australia. And then there are summer camps for adults. In Malta. And in Ireland. And many other places. It is expensive but very effective.

TIPS AND USEFULNESS IN LEARNING A LANGUAGE

■ Learn grammar. Reading adapted literature is boring. Helpful but intolerable. Learning grammar is a nightmare. But grammar in a language is like a formula in mathematics. Learned them - you can move on and take new heights. No - it will only get worse, and with each step there is less and less chance of reaching the top.

■ Use all available resources. In the pursuit of knowledge, all means are good: interactive Internet resources, comics, video games, tabloid literature, beauty blogs - whatever.

The more interesting the topic is for you, the easier it will be for you to learn. And also try to find or organize a conversation club (you can even create a group in WhatsApp) and discuss topics of your concern there. No, not what books you liked from the ones you read this year, but what qualities infuriate you in your partner, for which you are still offended by your mother, and when the stadium on Krestovsky Island is finally completed. When a person is interested in a subject, he will find a way to say about it.

■ Read books. Starting from the Intermediate level, you can safely read:

Sophie Kinsella's books;

Her works under the name Madeleine Wickham;

The episode about Bridget Jones;

Jane Austen;

Somerset Maugham.

Choose books by modern authors, where there is no twisted detective plot, complex allegoricality, excessive philosophizing, and a large amount of special vocabulary. You need a simple narrative text: she wanted to marry him, and he wanted to be an astronaut. And so three hundred pages. You will get used to modern British / American / other English, learn, willy-nilly, new words and at the same time will not get confused in the twists and turns of the plot and high feelings of the main character.

■ Watch movies and TV shows:

Any action films, especially with subtitles - there are few dialogues, the video sequence is beautiful;

Comedies in the spirit of "Home Alone", "We are the Millers", "Beethoven" - no reasoning about the philosophy of Nietzsche, a simple and understandable plot, a lot of everyday vocabulary;

Melodrama format "Eat, Pray, Love";

TV series "Sex in big city"," Friends "," The Simpsons ", etc.

Learning a language is a long and hard way... It's also very interesting. In addition to knowing the language, you will receive a pleasant bonus - you will begin to understand how native speakers think. And it will open up another world for you. And if you lack motivation, just remember that you have no choice. A modern person must know English. And the point.

Today, English is required not only for foreign, but also for Russian universities... Admissions committees establish a clear score on the exam, according to which a high school student passes or does not pass to the university. We decided to figure out what kind of English is needed for the USE, IELTS and TOEFL exams and what skills are required for successful university studies.

English language entrance exams

As entrance examinations in English, Moscow universities are accepted USE results (minimum threshold- 22 points out of 100). However, the bar is much higher for leading universities. So, at MGIMO, high school students must score 95-100 points in order to guarantee themselves a place. For the Faculty of Economics High school economics (where training takes place in two languages) 70 points are required.
Universities in England accept only IELTS as entrance exams, and for admission to the Foundation, a graduate of a school needs to score IELTS 5.5-6.0 (out of a maximum of 9.0). In US universities, along with IELTS, the TOEFL certificate is considered. On the preparatory programs you need TOEFL iBT 60, and for direct admission to the bachelor's degree - at least 92 points (out of 120 possible).

What level do the results on the exam correspond to?

For admission to a prestigious university in Russia or abroad, a high school student needs English at an above-intermediate level (B2). In order to qualify for high score, it is important not only to know the language, but also to understand the format of the exam and master the academic skills.

Learning skills

Experience shows that admission to good university- this is half the success, and the most difficult thing is in the learning process. Overseas universities require a range of academic skills from students:

• ability to write essays and term papers
• take notes of lectures in English
• carry out investigations
• make a presentation
• participate in debates
• analyze large amounts of information

All this is necessary in order to become independent student... After all, training in foreign university- This is 30% of classes in the classroom and 70% of independent work.

Training

Summer schools in England offer intensive programs for high school students, where they can prepare for the English language exam and at the same time develop academic skills. As a rule, courses are designed for 3 weeks and include three blocks of classes:

• General skills. Speaking, writing, listening, reading and grammar
• Practical skills. Role-playing games, discussions, debates, presentations, story reading
• Academic skills. IELTS or TOEFL preparation, research, note-taking, note-taking and essay writing

At StudyLab, we select programs for each student individually - we rely on his current language level and on the goals that the child and his parents set for this summer.